This guest post is by Cecilia Saunders, a student who is diagnosed with autism and attending Nursing School. Saunders is applying for the Spring 2025 Making a Difference Autism Scholarship via the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference started by me, Kerry Magro. I was nonverbal till 2.5 and diagnosed with autism at 4, and you can read more about my organization here. Autistics on Autism: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams, our nonprofit’s new book, was released on March 29, 2022, on Amazon here for our community to enjoy featuring the stories of 100 autistic adults.
Growing up on the autism spectrum presented numerous challenges, each one shaping my path in ways I could never have anticipated. My story is not just about navigating a world that often misunderstood me, but also about learning to understand myself, overcome obstacles, and build a life of fulfillment and purpose.
From an early age, I grappled with the difficulties of being misunderstood and often misinterpreted. Though I was never nonverbal, my communication style and the way I expressed myself often led to confusion. I’ve come to believe that autism is akin to using Ubuntu in a world where most people run on Windows 95. There are shared concepts, but the language and methods of operation are fundamentally different, and interfacing with the general population requires that we overcome a sort of interoperability gap. This analogy captures how my internal processes and interactions with the world often seem out of sync with those around me.
Despite testing in the 99th percentile for verbal acuity, my thought process is not primarily verbal. Instead, my thinking tends to be corporeal, deeply rooted in sensory experiences and physical sensations. This divergence in thought processes can make it challenging to align with conventional communication and social expectations. For instance, during my time on *America’s Got Talent*, my inability to fully grasp social cues led me to inadvertently come across as rude to the judges. This misalignment was a painful reminder of how my way of processing information can differ from others’ expectations.
These misunderstandings have not been limited to public settings. They have permeated my personal relationships, often leaving me feeling isolated and misunderstood. My intent was never to cause harm or discomfort, but despite my best efforts, I would unintentionally offend those around me by asking uncomfortable questions or pointing out truths that others might prefer left unsaid. These instances were not a result of malice but of my struggle to navigate social norms that seemed elusive and confusing.
My upbringing was marked by severe challenges, including being badly abused as a child. This trauma further complicated my social interactions and emotional development. Growing up in an environment devoid of positive relationship models made it even more difficult to understand and cultivate healthy relationships. By the time I was 16, I found myself temporarily homeless and permanently financially independent, which forced me to mature quickly and fend for myself.
Despite these overwhelming obstacles, I pursued a path of personal growth and development. I worked tirelessly to develop the relationship skills that would allow me to build meaningful connections and a stable life. This journey required immense effort and self-reflection, as I had to learn and practice skills that many take for granted. I sought therapy, engaged in self-education, and practiced social interactions to bridge the gaps in my understanding.
One of my proudest accomplishments is the happy and healthy marriage I’ve built with my neurotypical husband. We have been together for six years, and our relationship is a testament to the progress I’ve made. Navigating a relationship with someone who does not share my neurological differences presented its own set of challenges, but it also provided a source of deep support and understanding. My husband has been a pillar of strength, helping me see my worth and fostering an environment where we both can thrive.
My journey is not just about overcoming difficulties but also about using those experiences to inspire and educate others. It’s crucial to understand that autistic individuals often face misunderstandings and judgments that can be deeply hurtful. By sharing my story, I hope to shed light on the realities of growing up on the autism spectrum and to encourage empathy and awareness within the broader community.
Education and advocacy are essential in transforming societal perceptions and ensuring that autistic individuals are understood and valued for who they are. My experiences have shown me the importance of fostering an environment where differences are celebrated rather than stigmatized. It is through understanding and acceptance that we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
In reflecting on my life, I see a journey marked by resilience, growth, and triumph over adversity. The challenges I faced growing up on the autism spectrum have shaped me into the person I am today. I have learned to navigate a world that often seems out of sync with my way of perceiving and interacting, and I have developed strategies to bridge those gaps. My story is a reminder that while the path may be difficult, it is possible to forge a meaningful and fulfilling life despite the obstacles.
For those who are walking a similar path, know that you are not alone. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with opportunities for growth and connection. By embracing who you are and seeking support when needed, you can overcome misunderstandings and build a life that reflects your true potential.
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique perspectives and to advocate for a world that recognizes and values the diversity of the human experience. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and understanding society, where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute their unique gifts.
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What happens to children with autism, when they become adults? | Kerry Magro | TEDxMorristown (youtube.com)
My name is Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum. I started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue post-secondary education. Help support me so I can continue to help students with autism go to college by making a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit here.
Autistics on Autism: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams was released on March 29, 2022 on Amazon here for our community to enjoy featuring the stories of 100 autistic adults. 100% of the proceeds from this book will go back to our nonprofit to support initiatives like our autism scholarship program. In addition, this autistic adult’s essay you just read will be featured in a future volume of this book as we plan on making this into a series of books on autistic adults.
